🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3-series

Chassis Code:

E90 (Sedan), E91 (Wagon/Touring), E92 (Coupe), E93 (Convertible)

Model Year:

2011

Platform Code:

E90/E91/E92/E93

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair information at a fraction of the dealership cost, empowering users to maintain and repair their vehicle with confidence.

Differentiation:

This is not generic information; it is vehicle-specific, identical to what BMW technicians use.

Content Quality:

Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications.

Format Advantage:

Digital, printable, zoomable, portable, avoids wear and tear of physical manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Variants Covered:

All E90, E91, E92, E93 body styles (Sedan, Touring, Coupe, Convertible)

Engine Variants Covered:

All gasoline and diesel engine variants offered in 2011 for E90/E91/E92/E93

Transmission Variants Covered:

All manual and automatic transmission variants

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (precise number not specified, but described as comprehensive 'A-Z' coverage)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Source:

Factory-authorized technician manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), Mac

Readability:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, fuel system, cooling, lubrication, emission control, ignition, starting & charging systems, automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer case (if applicable), drive shafts, differentials, axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering system (column & power steering), wheels & tires, brake system (control, hydraulic, parking brake).

Electrical Electronic:

Complete electrical system, multiplex/CAN communication, wiring schematics, instrument panel, lighting, power outlets, starter & charging, engine control system, supplemental restraint system (SRS), seat belts, immobilizer, cruise control, wipers & washers, door locks, meter, audio/visual systems, horn, mirrors, glass, interior & exterior electronics.

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, engine hood, seats, instrument panel, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, windshield.

Comfort Convenience:

Air conditioning, climate control, power windows, power seats, remote locking, cruise control.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures, system testing.

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all systems.

Wiring Schematics:

Detailed electrical diagrams for all circuits, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths.

Depth:

Factory-level diagnostics and repair, comprehensive 'A-Z' coverage.

Diagnostic Tools:

Implied coverage for using BMW-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA/D, INPA) through detailed diagnostic procedures.

Recalibrations Adaptations:

Procedures for recalibrating and adapting various electronic modules and sensors.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content (typical for good quality PDFs)

Printability:

All pages printable

Zoom Capability:

Images can be blown up for enlarged printing

Binding:

Digital (no physical binding)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

Navigation:

Single PDF for ease of use, no flipping through multiple books.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Note:

The manual covers all engine variants for the 2011 model year. Specific engine details would depend on the exact model variant (e.g., 328i, 335i, 320d).

Gasoline Engines:

Includes but not limited to: N52 (3.0L I6), N54 (3.0L Twin-Turbo I6), N55 (3.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo I6), N52KP (3.0L I6).

Diesel Engines:

Includes but not limited to: N47 (2.0L I4 Turbo Diesel), M57 (3.0L I6 Turbo Diesel).

Hp Torque Range:

Varies significantly by engine; the manual covers specifications for all variants.

Fuel Delivery:

Modern fuel injection systems (e.g., High-Precision Injection for gasoline).

Fuel Type:

Premium unleaded gasoline for gasoline engines, Diesel for diesel engines.

Oil Type Spec:

Manual will specify BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved oils, e.g., Castrol Syntec 0W-30 or 5W-30 (specific to engine and regional requirements).

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmissions:

Yes, various Getrag and ZF manual transmissions depending on engine.

Automatic Transmissions:

Yes, ZF 6-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., 6HP series) with Steptronic and paddle shifters on many models.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard on most models; xDrive (All-wheel drive) optional on select models.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Specific ZF Lifeguard fluid (e.g., Lifeguardfluid 6 for 6HP transmissions) will be detailed in the manual.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Specific gear oil specification (e.g., MTF LT-3) will be detailed.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

E90 Sedan, E91 Touring, E92 Coupe, E93 Convertible. Dimensions vary by body style.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3,400 - 4,000+ lbs (1,542 - 1,814+ kg) depending on body style and powertrain.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Detailed GVWR for each variant will be in the manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Typically achieved high ratings, often 5-star in front and side impact tests for relevant body styles (manual will have specifics).

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Many E90/E92 models were awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick status for their respective years.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

Stability Control:

Standard advanced DSC system integrates ABS, traction control, and stability management.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags for sedan/coupe/convertible).

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (ISOFIX) system for child seat installation.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive infotainment system.

Features Options:

Navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio interface, satellite radio, enhanced voice control, premium audio system options (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, with optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, optional rearview camera.

Multiplex Can Communication:

Extensive use of CAN (Controller Area Network) bus systems for communication between ECUs. Manual includes detailed wiring and network diagrams.

ECU Type:

Advanced engine control units (ECUs) managing fuel, ignition, timing, emissions, and more. Manual covers diagnostic procedures for these ECUs.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, determined by 'Condition Based Service' (CBS) monitoring system. Manual will detail CBS logic.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Microfilter Replacement:

Typically every 2 years or as indicated by CBS.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine; often around 60,000 miles for iridium plugs. Manual will specify exact interval and part number.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 - 9.0 liters (depending on engine and cooling system configuration). Manual will list exact capacity.

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Standard washer fluid, possibly with BMW's own concentrated additive for cleaning and frost protection.

Common E9X Issues:

Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, vacuum pump leaks, PCV valve issues, ignition coil failures, water pump/thermostat failures, VANOS solenoid issues, power steering hose leaks (on hydraulic systems), fuel injector issues (especially on N54/N55), diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues (on diesel models).

Manual Coverage Of Issues:

The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures for all these common issues, including specific troubleshooting trees.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Known for 'Ultimate Driving Machine', sporty handling, advanced engineering, and premium quality.

E9X Generation:

This generation (E90/E91/E92/E93) replaced the E46 generation and introduced significant updates in technology, design, and performance. It represented a major step forward in BMW's compact executive car segment.

Key Innovations E9X:

Introduction of electric power steering (EPS) on some models, direct injection, advanced infotainment systems (iDrive), and sophisticated electronic chassis controls.

Production Period:

The E90/E91/E92/E93 generation was produced from approximately 2005/2006 through 2011/2013 (depending on body style), with the 2011 model year representing a later stage of this lifecycle, often including facelifts (LCI).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward'S 10 Best Engines:

Many BMW engines from this era, particularly the inline-sixes (N52, N54, N55), were frequently recognized on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for their performance, efficiency, and refinement.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Typically rated well for performance and handling, though reliability scores could be mixed depending on the specific engine and model year.

Manual Certification:

Not a formal certification, but described as the 'EXACT SAME MANUAL USED BY TECHNICIANS AT THE DEALERSHIPS'.